Please note that this is an apprenticeship position and therefore anyone with more than six months professional experience working as a software developer or who holds either a degree or Master’s degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering will not be eligible.

You will also need to commit to completing a Level 4 Software Developer Apprenticeship.

ABOUT US

Dole plc is the global leader in fresh produce. Operating across 30 countries while serving many more, our vertically integrated, optimised supply chain brings the grower and the consumer ever closer together. Extracting cost and adding value, we bring to market the complete portfolio of exceptional fruits and vegetables from across the globe and close to home.

Our iconic DOLE brand is synonymous with “quality, quality, quality” and is recognised and trusted across the world. Promoting best agronomic and sustainable practices from farm to fork, our mission, always, is to make the world a healthier, more sustainable place.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This role offers hands-on experience supporting a business-critical ERP platform, providing an excellent opportunity to develop skills in software support, troubleshooting, databases, low-code development, software development using the Microsoft Technology stack, testing, and modern software delivery practices while working alongside experienced developers and analysts.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide first-line technical investigation and support for software issues raised by Business Analysts, key users, and business teams.

• Assist senior support developers in diagnosing, troubleshooting, and resolving application defects and support requests.

• Learn and apply software debugging techniques across FreshTrade (internal ERP) applications, APIs, and supporting services.

• Gain practical experience working with databases, including running queries, analysing data issues, and validating fixes.

• Support software testing activities by reproducing issues, verifying fixes, and assisting with user acceptance testing.

• Contribute to application enhancements, maintenance tasks, and small development activities under the guidance of senior developers.

• Maintain accurate documentation of incidents, solutions, technical procedures, and knowledge base articles to support continuous improvement.

• Build technical skills in the organisation's software development platforms, programming languages, development tools, and software development lifecycle processes

SKILLS & BEHAVOURS

• Proven interest in software development and technology.

• Prior exposure to coding (school, college, online courses or personal projects).

• Basic understanding of web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Attention to detail and accuracy.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• 7 GCSE’s (or equivalent) at grades 9-4 or A-C including maths and English

• 3 A Levels (or equivalent) at grades A*-C in any subject but preferably one in a numerical or computing subject (e.g. maths, Science, Computer Science etc

Applications will also be considered from graduates with non-computer science / software development degrees looking for an apprenticeship route to a development career.

SALARY: £24,000

Location: We are based in the Custard Factory in Birmingham (B9 4AA). We do offer hybrid working however this is at the discretion of the line manager therefore, the successful candidate will have a commute of 1hr 15 mins or less. The role is not open to candidates that would need to relocate to meet this requirement.

WORK Hours: 40 hrs / week

TRAINING TO BE PROVIDED

As part of the Level 4 Software Developer apprenticeship standard, you’ll be registered as a member with the British Computer Society and be on a fast track to an industry recognised qualification and your dedicated industry coach will support you through a blended approach that will include remote, in person, 1-2-1 and group learning.

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